Taking Jesus to People
Jesus went out of his way to meet an unnamed woman, commonly known as the woman at the well or the Samaritan woman. When telling the story, John wrote, “(Jesus) had to travel through Samaria” (Jn. 4:4). Except, in one sense, he didn’t. To take the route he chose, Jesus went out of his way […]
Bringing People to Jesus
In the Bible, there are many examples of anonymous believers bringing people to Jesus. One of the most dramatic stories involved four unnamed men who helped an invalid friend drop in on Jesus. The Lord was teaching in Capernaum when “so many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the […]
A Rose by Any Other Name
Several phrases have been used by recent generations to describe personally sharing the gospel. These change as language evolves, culture shifts, and word usage adapts. Older evangelism training materials refer to sharing your faith as “personal work.” This phrase described the entire process of initiating a relationship with someone who needed to hear the gospel, […]
A Spiritual Virus
Gospel spreading is supposed to be a viral movement. In the first-century, the gospel traveled person-to-person as believers enthusiastically shared it with their friends and family. While preachers and church planters were important, the gospel spread most rapidly by word of mouth from believer to unbeliever. By that means it permeated societies and cultural strata […]
Finding Fulfillment
When God heals from sickness, restores family relationships, provides a new job, or works supernaturally in our lives in some unmistakable way—there’s nothing quite like it. Its humbling, awe-inspiring, and invigorating. But there’s something even better. That’s when God works through us in another person’s life—particularly as we share the gospel and see them saved. […]
The Boring Seminary
We have recently been described by a friend as “the boring seminary.” That tongue-in-cheek comment was his way of complimenting us for our resolute focus on our mission. We shape leaders who expand God’s kingdom around the world. We do that every day, without fanfare and without much interest in doing anything else. Many Christians, […]
Perspective: SBC 2023
Almost 30 years as a Southern Baptist denominational executive, preceded by more than a dozen years as a Southern Baptist pastor, has shaped my perspective on navigating the vagaries of working among the vast network known as the Southern Baptist Convention. It can be, alternately, a rewarding, daunting, or at times disappointing task. Several years […]
Declining Religious Affiliation
A recent article declared “religion in the lives of Americans is on the decline.” That’s news? Anyone paying even slight attention to churches, religious institutions, and religious expressions in public life knows this is true. The decline in religious affiliation among American is real—and many Christians are determined to do something about it. The problem […]
Reclaiming Manhood
A recent article in The New Yorker asked the pithy question, “What’s the Matter with Men?” The article describes men as floundering – in schools, relationships, and workplaces – and postulates reasons for this social phenomenon. The conclusions are a mishmash of social theory, secular perspectives, and moral judgments which fail to produce definitive answers. […]
A Solution for An Epidemic
A few days ago, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a report addressing the “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” prevalent in America today. He also laid out a framework for a “National Strategy to Advance Social Connection.” The report concludes social connection is as essential for human flourishing as food, water, or shelter. It […]